The arrival of spring is a time for renewal and stunning displays of colour in our ever-changing gardens. Spring bulbs are one of the best ways to guarantee that your outdoor space is filled with a stunning display of blossoms in the spring. These should always be planted in autumn/winter to ensure the best possible display in the spring. This blog will offer some invaluable tips to help you make sure that your garden will be ready to transform into a dazzling, inviting haven as soon as spring arrives.

Quality Matters
The secret to a successful spring garden is choosing good quality spring bulbs. Select firm, plump bulbs that don’t have any obvious damage or flaws.

Timing is Everything
The majority of spring bulbs are ready to plant as soon as they are bought. Tulips are the exception. You should always wait until the weather turns cooler, as these bulbs only begin to produce roots when the temperature drops.

The Art of Selection
Choose a variety of spring bulbs and plants to create arrangements that will add splashes of colour to your patios, borders, and flower beds. Be creative when choosing bulbs, opting for striking blooms to establish focus areas within your garden. 

Enhancing Soil Conditions
Since bulbs detest soggy soil, increase drainage by adding sand and mulch. Plant bulbs at a depth two to three times the bulb’s size.

Embrace Nature’s Informality
Take inspiration from Mediterranean meadows and forests, which are the ancestral homes of a lot of spring bulbs. For an effortlessly natural look, scatter bulbs randomly in the grass or close to the base of trees.

Bulbs in Pots and Planters
If you have limited outside space, take advantage of the fact that bulbs grow well in pots and planters. To ensure you have constant colour for months, underplant autumn/winter bedding with spring-flowering bulbs. Mixed with pansies, violas, ivy, thyme, and other foliage bedding, daffodils and tulips look stunning. Use evergreen plants like buxus or skimmia to provide structure. Just replace the pansies and violas with summer bedding when spring ends, and leave the bulbs in the planter so they will bloom again the following year.

Robin Williams once said, “Spring is nature’s way of saying, Let’s party!” and just like all great parties, some preparation is needed, so roll up your sleeves, pop on your gardening gloves, and start preparing your outdoor space for its most beautiful spring yet.

If you are considering selling your property in Sheffield & Rotherham, please give me a call at 07920 097 175 or send me an email at linda.stringer@exp.uk.com and I will be delighted to offer you a free no-obligation valuation.

During my time as an estate agent, I have helped many families find their perfect family home. Along the way, I have learned a few things about how to help children feel as excited about moving home as you do.

Children often feel anxious when they are told that they are going to be moving home. They worry about whether they will like their new house, will they still be close enough to their friends to see them, will they have to move schools? Like all of us, they simply need to be able to talk through their worries and get some answers to their questions, so I always recommend taking time to sit down with them and listen to their worries and opinions.

Giving your children some autonomy over little decisions such as the colour you are going to paint their new bedrooms and the furniture they would like to put in them can help to give them a sense of control. This can help alleviate the anxiety they may be feeling about moving somewhere new.

I am a great fan of taking your children on a viewing to see their new home. It makes them feel like they have helped choose which property they are going to live in and lets them picture where they are going to be moving to.

However, if at all possible (and I do realise it isn’t always possible), I recommend avoiding taking them on your first viewings. This will allow you to concentrate on looking around the properties and will avoid a potential situation where your child may fall in love with a house and you don’t!

Once you have had an offer accepted on a property, it can be a lovely idea to take your children on a tour of the local area. That way, you can all find out where all the local parks are, where a nice cafe is, and if there are any exciting activities nearby. This will help to turn a worrying experience into an exciting one, as they already know where some things are, so moving home doesn’t feel so daunting.

Make sure on moving day that you pack their most important belongings into a bag that they can keep with them. That way, even when the moving truck is unloaded at the new house and they are surrounded by boxes, they will still be able to cuddle and play with their favourite toys without having to worry about which box they are in.

I am always delighted to help your children feel involved in finding their new home. If you would like me to help you to find your whole family their perfect new home please give me a call on 07920 097 175 or send me an email to linda.stringer@exp.uk.com.

One of the highlights of my work is getting to meet all of my clients’ furry friends. Our pets give us unconditional love and companionship, so naturally, we all want to do everything we can to protect them from being scared and distressed.

Every year, Bonfire Night brings delight to adults and children alike all over the country as the loud whizzes, bangs, and flashes of colour in the sky amaze and enthral them. Our furry friends, however, are much less enamoured by the sight and sound of fireworks exploding in the sky, and for those of us who have to witness our beloved pets in distress, it can be a less than enjoyable evening.

There are a few things that you can do to help your pet cope with the anxiety that fireworks can cause.

CATS Protection has issued the following advice:

Treats

A selection of their favourite long-lasting treats, given before the fireworks displays begin, can sometimes provide enough of a distraction to stop them from noticing the start of the noises. Even if they do not distract them for the whole of the display, any reduction in the time that they are distressed for is better than none.

Safe Place

Cats may feel reassured by having a cosy space in which they can curl up. If their bed has open sides, then consider lining a cardboard box with towels and blankets for them to sleep in. Many cats feel safer when they are up high, so placing this box on a shelf may increase their feeling of safety.

Classic FM will be playing their pet classics, calming music specifically selected to try to help you and your pet stay relaxed, from 6pm to 10pm on Friday 5th November and Saturday 6th November. Turn it up, lay back, and enjoy.

Battersea Dogs Home has this advice to add:

Stay Calm

Our pets are very sensitive to our emotions. If they think that you are anxious, then they will be anxious too. Stay calm and reassure them in your most relaxed tones so that they can pick up from your body language and voice cues that there is nothing for them to worry about.

No evening walks

Make sure that you are home from your evening walk before it goes dark so that your dog isn’t upset by any unexpectedly early fireworks.

Draw your curtains

Protect your pets from seeing the flashes from the fireworks by drawing your curtains. Having your curtains drawn can also help muffle the sound of the fireworks.

Let them roam

Confining a dog in one room when they are used to roaming your home can increase their distress.

I hope that these tips help you and your furry friends to have an enjoyable and distress-free Bonfire Night.

If you are considering selling your home in Sheffield and Rotherham, then please give me a call on 07920 097 175 and I will be delighted to give you a free no-obligation valuation.

As the recent hot weather begins to fade to a distant memory and shorter, darker evenings herald the arrival of autumn, it’s prudent to prepare your home and garden for the approaching winter months.

This is my comprehensive guide to the essential maintenance tasks that you should carry out this month to ensure that your property in Sheffield and Rotherham is prepared for the colder months.

Fencing

It is important to make sure that your fence is in good condition since autumn brings increased rainfall and stronger winds. Ensure that all of the panels and posts are firmly anchored. In order to avoid the need for emergency repairs during bad weather, replace or fix any broken or damaged panels. The lifespan of your fence can be increased by adding an additional layer of protection against the weather by applying a wood preservative or protective oil.

Lawn

Mow your lawn regularly until it stops growing. To avoid matting, the growth of mould, and diseases, keep it at a height of approximately two inches. To avoid ugly patches that struggle to regrow, take care not to cut it too short.

Tidy

Give your garden a thorough tidy-up and clean. Clear up any debris that may have accumulated throughout the summer, wash patios and decking, weed flowerbeds, and rake leaves from the lawn.

Windows

As the weather gets colder, inspect your windows for any leaks. Your energy bills can go up and water damage can result from even the smallest gaps between the sealant and the glass. Making sure the sealant surrounding your windows is in good condition will help to keep heat in and water out.

Garden Furniture

To increase the lifespan of garden furniture, outdoor lighting, and lanterns, store them somewhere dry. If you don’t have much space, you may want to consider investing in high-quality outdoor furniture covers to protect your furniture from the weather.

Gutters

Prevent potential leaks by clearing drains and gutters of debris. Consider installing drain protectors to prevent blockages caused by fallen leaves, minimising the risk of water damage to your property.

Pipes

Insulate exposed pipes to keep them from freezing in cold weather. You can determine which pipes need insulation to prevent freezing and the various problems that can result from it by performing a quick inspection of your property, both inside and out.

Roof

Conduct a thorough inspection of your roof. Look for any loose tiles or signs of leaks. If you spot any issues, it’s important to have them professionally repaired promptly to prevent more extensive damage from being caused.

Paint

Take advantage of any sunny days to apply a fresh coat of paint or protective oil to your outdoor furniture, sheds, and fence panels. This will provide an additional barrier against the harsh winter weather, extending their lifespan.

By being proactive as the seasons change, you’ll ensure that your home and garden in Sheffield and Rotherham are well-maintained, protected, and ready to withstand the challenges the colder weather presents.

If you are considering selling your property in Sheffield and Rotherham and would like to know more about what you can do to prepare your property for sale during the colder months, please give me a call on 07920 097 175 or send an email to linda.stringer@exp.uk.com.

Our gardens are at their best during the summer, with colourful blossoms, soothing birdsong, and sun-drenched patios. It’s a time of year when we feel drawn to enjoy the outdoors in all its glory, but what happens after the summer ends and the winter months draw near? Must our outside areas hibernate until the warmth of spring returns? If you are thinking of selling your property, what can you do to make the most of your garden, given that a recent survey found that a well-kept garden can increase a property’s selling price in <<AREA>> by as much as 5%?

Light

The temptation to stay inside can be strong as the days become shorter. However, your garden needn’t plunge into darkness with the setting sun. After dusk, outdoor lighting can transform your outdoor areas into an enchanting retreat. Illuminating your garden with string lights or attractive light fixtures can create a cosy ambiance that makes it tempting to linger outside.

Winter House

Many of us treasure our summer houses and use them as peaceful retreats for hobbies, reading, and entertaining. Why confine their use to just sunny days? Your summer house can become a cosy winter haven with the addition of a few cosy blankets. Imagine sipping hot chocolate while snuggled up in soft blankets, admiring the winter wonderland that is your garden.

Chase Away the Chill

A strategically placed chiminea or fire pit can provide warmth, making chilly nights enjoyable, whether you’re having company over or just relaxing beneath the stars. In order to create a cosy space to enjoy the season, embrace the spirit of winter wonderlands, put on your cosiest coat, and bring your blankets outside.

Culinary Delights

Cooking outside is not just for the summer. A great addition to your outdoor area, that can be used in any season, is an outdoor pizza oven. No matter the weather, a well-placed gazebo can protect your barbeque from the elements, so even an unexpected shower won’t stop you from barbecuing. Buying a gas barbeque with a dependable hood creates options, even on windy days.

Unlock Your Garden’s Potential

Your garden doesn’t have to become a dormant space when summer bids farewell. Embrace the beauty of each season and enjoy the outdoors throughout the year.

If you’re thinking about selling your home in Sheffield or Rotherham and would like advice on how to make the most of your outdoor space during the colder months give me a call on 07920 097 175 or send an email to linda.stringer@exp.uk.com. I’m here to help you throughout the entire home selling process, no matter the season.

Have you ever watched a programme about property development and been tempted to try your hand at it?

All of those beautiful before and after photos make it look so simple. From the comfort of our sofas, we arrogantly condemn their design choices, belittle their progress, and express how we would do things differently. But how many of us truly understand either the possible challenges or the potentially life-changing benefits of renovating a property to live in or rent out?

So, what can you do to reduce the chances of your dream home renovation turning into a nightmare?

Set a goal.

What is your ultimate goal for the property? Do you intend to flip it, rent it out, or create your dream home? When looking for a property, keep your end goal in mind. If it is to be your forever home, it should be in a neighbourhood where you want to live. Alternatively, if it is to be a rental property, you must ensure that it is located in an area that is appealing to your target rental market.

Create a budget.

Establish a budget for every room and do your best to stick to it. Don’t be swayed by expensive tiles or paint, especially if you intend to rent out the property. Your tenants are unlikely to care if you use Dulux or Farrow & Ball paint. If you are renovating the property for your own family, you may be willing to splurge in certain areas, but always keep your budget in mind. You will most likely run over budget, just like in the television programmes, so make allowances for that when planning your budget.

Plan

Diverting from or changing your plan frequently will cost you time and money, so aim to stick to it. The more time you spend on improvements, the more money you lose in prospective rent. If you are flipping a property, the longer you have to pay your mortgage or utility expenses, the less profit you will make. If it is your forever home, you will be reducing the amount of time you get to live there.

Valuation

When all of your hard work is completed, schedule a valuation to determine how much your efforts have boosted the value of your property and how much its rental value has increased.

If you manage to accomplish all of those things then congratulations you are a successful property developer and will be able to reap the benefits of your hard work.

If you are looking for a property to renovate in Sheffield and Rotherham, please give me a call on 07920 097 175 or send an email to linda.stringer@exp.uk.com so that I can add you to my early bird list so you can be one of the first people to hear about my new listings.

Buying a home is an exciting experience.

However, many home buyers are unaware of several things that can derail their purchase. Here is my list of seven things you definitely should not do if you are trying to buy a property.

Underestimating costs

In addition to the purchase price of your home, you need to consider the cost of conveyancing, surveys, and moving expenses. Remember, you will also need to pay for buildings and contents insurance and council tax.

Failure to check your credit score

Your credit score is your financial resume, and lenders analyse it to determine if you are capable of making regular payments. Before applying for a mortgage, check your credit score and have any problems corrected to reduce the likelihood of your application being refused.

Choosing the Wrong Solicitor

Check that your solicitor is on your mortgage lender’s list of authorised solicitors to avoid extra fees or having to change solicitors. Most mortgage lenders have a list of approved solicitors with whom they will engage. During the conveyancing process, your solicitor will be required to carry out the legal work for your lender. However, if your solicitor is not on their approved list, they will be unable to act for your mortgage lender, necessitating the hiring of a second solicitors firm from that list to operate on their behalf.

Not being on the electoral roll

Checking the electoral roll is one of the easiest ways for lenders to verify your identity. If you are not registered, your application may take longer to process. Your credit score can also be negatively affected if you’re not on the electoral roll.

Not getting an agreement in principle

The housing market is fiercely competitive. Instead of waiting for you to contact a mortgage firm, sellers may choose to accept an offer from someone who already has an agreement in principle.

Accumulating a lot of debt

Taking on new debt may affect your credit score, which can prevent you from being approved for a mortgage.

Changing career

Never change jobs in the middle of a property purchase. It can make your employment look unstable, making you a weaker candidate to lenders.

If you are looking to purchase a property in Sheffield and Rotherham please give me a call on 07920 097 175 or send an email to linda.stringer@exp.uk.com and I will add you to my early bird list so you can be one of the first people to hear about my new listings.

The decision to sell your home is a big one. It involves relocating your family from a familiar environment to a new and unknown one. Even if you only relocate locally, you will be leaving behind your neighbours, familiar places, and potentially friends. There is always a compelling reason for this life-changing choice, yet studies have shown that it still takes on average two years from when people first consider selling to them actually deciding to put their property on the market.

Relocating

People need to relocate for a variety of reasons. They may have been offered a better job in another part of the country; they may need to relocate to the catchment area of a better/more suitable school for their children; they may need to relocate to be closer to ageing parents; or they may need to relocate to shorten their commute to work.

Upsizing

Families quickly outgrow their homes as they expand. They may have more children, or if their children share a room, they may decide that as they get older, they need their own space.

Downsizing

When children leave home, the reverse happens. Paying to heat and maintain a home that is larger than they require may prompt empty nesters to relocate to a property that is more suitable for their needs.

Lifestyle

Moving from the city to the countryside is the most common lifestyle change that results in a house move. It is commonly associated with couples starting families and relocating from a busy city to an area where their children can run around in a larger garden. Most people in this situation find that the proceeds from the sale of their small city property can be used to purchase a much larger property in the country. Moving for a lifestyle change is, however, not only limited to young families. Older couples nearing the end of their careers may prefer to relocate away from the hustle and bustle of city life in order to enjoy a more quiet retirement, while others may choose to do the opposite, returning to the city once their children have grown and flown.

Equity Release

This can be accomplished by first selling and then purchasing a less expensive home. Downsizers who profit from having a more manageable property and a lump sum of cash to spend on enjoying life have a strong incentive to sell. It can also serve as a motivator for people who enjoy renovating properties and then moving on to the next project, investing the equity they have freed up to purchase their next property.

If you are considering moving please do give me a call on 07920 097 175 or send an email to linda.stringer@exp.uk.com and I will be happy to help you decide on the best option for your family.

The top six things that may put potential buyers off your property, according to a new poll, are not all as obvious as you might assume.

Clutter

Buyers are put off by clutter because it can make rooms appear smaller. It is also particularly off putting if they have to step over or manoeuvre around it. Spend some time tidying up your home. Consider renting a storage unit to put some of your belongings in until your move if you can’t bear to let go of them.

Dirt

When preparing your property for a viewing, cleaning is a must. Prospective buyers are attempting to picture themselves living in your property. Yes, unclean properties can be cleaned, but most people struggle to imagine what something can look like after cleaning. So make sure that the impression you give them is one that is clean and inviting.

Clingy Sellers

You naturally want to know how a viewing is going and want to make sure that the prospective buyers see all of your home’s most beautiful features. However, loitering sellers are more likely to drive away potential buyers than to entice them to submit an offer. This is because prospective buyers need to be able to imagine themselves living in your property, and doing so is much more difficult if the present owner is continually drawing attention to the life they are leading in the property.

Smells

Potential buyers always dislike unpleasant scents because they are concerned they will be unable to rid the property of them. Make sure you spend the time necessary to identify and address any sources of offensive odours. Even though you might be tempted to burn your favourite scented candle, remember that no amount of perfume, no matter how potent, can cover up an offensive odour. Instead, a combination of the two odours results, which can be very unpleasant. Buyers are most attracted to the aroma of fresh air, so make sure your home has had plenty of time to air out before any showings.

The Goldilocks Effect

A prospective buyer’s opinion of your property can be influenced by how comfortable they feel during their viewing. You don’t want them to think of your home as “the cold house” or “the hot house”. You want them to feel as relaxed as possible during their viewing. Consider setting your thermostat to 21°C a couple of hours before each viewing since that is the temperature most people feel comfortable at.

Your estate agent

Potential buyers are not only annoyed by rude and unhelpful agents, but they may also be put off buying your property as a result of their interactions with them. When choosing your estate agent, spend some time asking them about the area and their expertise selling properties similar to yours. When you leave them alone with your potential buyers during viewings, it’s crucial that they have the social skills to be able to convert a possible buyer into an offer. If you don’t find them to be informed and personable, your potential buyers won’t either.

If you would like more advice on what you can do to present your property in its best light during viewings or are considering selling in Sheffield & Rotherham and would like a free no obligation valuation then please don’t hesitate to give me a call on 07920 097 175 or send an email to linda.stringer@exp.uk.com.

Summer has arrived, and now is the time to get your garden in shape. The joy of having a lovely outside area that the whole family can enjoy was brought home to us by lockdowns, which taught us to use our gardens as an extension of our interior living space. So if you are keen to make the most of yours, then read on for our list of the most important tasks you can tackle this month in order to get your garden ready for your family to enjoy and help it grab the attention of potential buyers too.

Love your lawn

A perfectly mowed lawn is a joy to behold, and in a vote to find the top 50 fragrances in Britain, freshly cut grass came in third. Make sure you don’t trim it any shorter than 1cm since if you do, it can struggle to grow and leave you with a patchwork, unattractive lawn.

Weeds

Getting rid of weeds from your lawn, borders, and paths may seem like an endless chore, but it is one that is well worth doing. In addition to helping your garden look its best, removing weeds can prevent them from strangling your carefully chosen border plants. The longer you let them grow, the more difficult it will be to get them under control.

Have a clearout

Over the winter, sheds often turn into storage facilities for items that need to be tucked out of the way. This can result in a disorganised mess, which can make it difficult to find things. Take advantage of the sunny days and empty your shed of everything. Then divide the items into piles, one for keeping, one for throwing away, and one for donating. Before putting the keep pile back in the shed in an orderly fashion, give your shed a thorough clean.

Garden furniture

When it comes to cleaning outdoor furniture that has been left outside all winter, pressure washers are fantastic. However, a bowl of soapy water and some elbow grease will work just as well if you don’t have a pressure washer. Remember to wash your cushion covers in your washing machine to freshen them up.

A coat of paint

Give your wooden furniture, decking, and fence a fresh coat of paint. It will not only help it look its best, but it will also ensure that it is prepared to weather another Winter when it arrives, and it is unquestionably more pleasant to complete this task in the sunshine than at the beginning of Winter!

Don’t forget, a well-maintained garden can even increase the value of your property by up to 5%!

If you are considering selling your house in Sheffield and Rotherham and would like some advice on how to make your garden look its best, please give me a call on 07920 097 175 or send an email to linda.stringer@exp.uk.com and I will be delighted to give you my advice.